Stephens City area hit with burglaries

The Frederick County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a series of burglaries in the Stephens City area during the last week of May that authorities believe could also be linked to a similar case in Warren County around the same time.

Frederick County Capt. Donnie Lang said burglars took small amounts of cash from each location, and cartons of cigarettes were also stolen from the Red Apple Deli.

Lang said in an interview Wednesday that the method of entry was similar in each of the cases.

“The point of entry was the glass was busted, and the alarm goes off,” Lang said. “We were able to respond immediately, but unfortunately it only takes a minute or so to get in and out before we can get people there.”

Lang said the cases could be linked to one or more similar crimes in Warren County around the same time.

Warren County Capt. Kahle Magalis said there appeared to be similarities between the Frederick County cases and an incident at a tanning salon in Warren County.

“We can’t discount the possibility that they’re linked,” Magalis said, adding that no suspects have been identified.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Crime Solvers Hotline at 665-8477. A reward of up to $1,000 is available for information leading to the arrest of a suspect.